Yepez will help WTAMU start its softball program

The Lubbock High standout signed a national letter of intent this week to be a part of the inaugural softball team at West Texas A&M.

"I had a few places lined up but West Texas just seemed like a really good fit," said Yepez, who was named to the first team all-District 2-5A squad this past spring. "The coach is a great guy and I'm going to be part of building a program."

WTAMU officials announced in November that softball was going to be added as the 13th sponsored sport at the Canyon university. Kevin Blaskowski was named the program's first head coach after coaching one season at Eastern New Mexico.

Robin O'Shaughnessy / Staff

Posed portrait of Jennifer Yepez Thursday, August 11, 2005, inside the Chapman Field film room. Yepez recently signed with West Texas to play softball.

Order a print

Yepez said that Blaskowski told her that she'll be expected to contribute as a pitcher, but she's going to start off in right field.

"I have confidence that she can do anything she sets her mind to do," LHS head coach Sheri Culwell said. "She's a fighter and she'll bust her tail to get it done.

"She was a leader for us on and off the field, she not only led by words but with her actions. Some people have to force themselves to lead but she just does it naturally. In the outfield you've got to get a good jump on the ball and have a good arm and she's got both."

Yepez received the first ever Fighting Westerner Award this year, which was given to the top male and female athlete at LHS as voted on by the coaches and faculty. She pitched every game as a sophomore, and all but five in the last two years for the Lady Westerners. Yepez recorded 182 strikeouts this season and batted fifth in the Lady Westerners' batting order.

"It's going to be a bit different because as a pitcher you're involved in every single play," Yepez said. "I'm excited, though, I'm going to enjoy this."

Yepez said she chose WTAMU over the University of Texas-San Antonio and the University of Dallas.